2012 Audi A7 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
92/100
#2 most-complained of 14 A7 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2012 Audi A7 ranks 2nd-worst of 14 model years, with a Complaint Index of 92, 30 complaints, and 5 recalls. Engine issues (33% of complaints) and airbag problems (23%) dominate, making this year an Avoid relative to other A7 years.
- Complaints
- 30
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 18 city / 28 hwy
Top 2012 Audi A7 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine10 (33%)
- Airbags7 (23%)
- Electrical System6 (20%)
- Steering6 (20%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (13%)
- Fuel System3 (10%)
- Other3 (10%)
- Brakes2 (7%)
- Structure & Body1 (3%)
What owners report
- Engine compartment fires reported after owners noticed a burning or fuel odor shortly before flames appeared.
- Sudden unintended acceleration reported, with the vehicle lurching forward into parked cars without the driver pressing the pedal.
- Sidewall bubbling on Continental ContiProContact tires led to multiple blowouts, including some while the car was parked.
- Front passenger airbag warning light illuminated intermittently, traced to a failed seat occupant detection sensor.
- Steering warning indicator flashed randomly along with a sudden loss of acceleration and power, requiring a restart to reset.
- Coolant leaking into the wiring harness shorted the engine control module, triggering a check engine light and possible stall.
2012 Audi A7 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 18V370000Jun 4, 2018Airbags139,249 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
Risk: If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
- NHTSA 17V781000Dec 6, 2017Fuel System48,693 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Audi A6 and A7 vehicles. The fuel line has a compression point that can weaken, potentially resulting in a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-888-237-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AR.
- NHTSA 16V646000Sep 7, 2016Fuel System28,249 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Audi A6 and Audi A7 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a fuel hose in the engine compartment that may degrade and leak fuel.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the under hood fuel pump and fuel hose, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BZ.
2012 Audi A7 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other A7 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Audi A7 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2012 A7 ranks 2nd-worst of 14 model years with a Complaint Index of 92 and a verdict of Avoid relative to other A7 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Audi A7?
- Engine problems make up 33% of complaints (10 of 30), followed by airbags at 23% and electrical system and steering issues each at 20%.
- Does the 2012 Audi A7 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2012 Audi A7, covering airbags and three separate fuel system issues involving fuel lines, hoses, and injection rails.
- At what mileage do 2012 Audi A7 problems typically occur?
- Median mileage at failure varies by system: engine issues at 102,000 miles, steering at 105,000 miles, brakes at 106,000 miles, and suspension issues much earlier at 28,000 miles.
- How does the 2012 A7 compare to other years?
- The 2012 A7's Complaint Index of 92 is higher than 2013 (77), 2014 (69), 2015 (54), and 2016 (85), making 2012 one of the worse years in this model's history, second only to 2019 at 100.